The reason for this choice is not selfish 
but based within my caring for us both. 

If I love you first, I must place greater value on you than on me. 
It will, therefore, be hard to feel that I am more than second best. 
If If love you first, and you change, my love may not be able to keep up. 
If I love you first, I will expect the same from you, and might be disappointed. 
If I love you first, my love for both of us, must grow at your pace; 
and I am not in control of you, just of me. 

If I love you first, and you leave, I am left with a second rate love. 
If I love me first, my love for both of us can grow at my pace. 
If I love me first, I will not subvert my need my needs to yours, 
and therefore will be a happier person for you to enjoy. 

If I love me first, I will know self-love, and 
you will be able to love a whole person. 

If I love me first, and you leave, 
you will not take essential pieces of me with you. 

Then, I can stay your loving friend forever. 
If I love me first, you will receive the greatest gift I can give. 

I can then give the bounty of my own love. 

Please love me second and then, and only then, will I receive 
the true quality and quantity of the love that lives within you. 

Written to a friend...to be shared with a friend .